Gaza: 15 Hamas targets struck after rocket attacks

Netanyahu taken to shelter during attack on Ashdod

TEL AVIV - After two rockets on Tuesday were launched against Ashdod and Ashkelon in the south, Israeli jets last night struck ''15 targets of terrorist organization Hamas'', including a tunnel, a military spokesman said Wednesday.

The attack on Ashdod - which was neutralized by the Iron Dome defense system - took place while Benyamin Netanyahu was holding a rally. The premier was pushed inside a shelter and the public also sought shelter.

Several Palestinian websites gave relevance to the episode and expressed satisfaction while commenting images of Netanyahu who had to interrupt his speech during a rally of his party Likud in Ashdod due to the rocket launched from Gaza. ''The most powerful man in the Middle East forced to flee'', said one of the Islamic sites praising Gaza militias. Overall, Netanyahu's visits close to Israel's border are protected by censorship and are only made public at the end. But Netanyahu's rally on Tuesday was broadcast live on Likud's Facebook page. Israeli press reports said the rally could have been noticed in Gaza as it was taking place.